Thanks a lot!

As it goes every year, Dusty heads out around 8am for his annual man "hunt"... really, he just joins a bunch of men to shoot clay pigeons and sip on beer (and probably slip a dip unbeknownst to me). And then I'm left all by my lonesome, figuring out how to spend my morning before the food and chit-chatter. Usually I take a long bath, bake a pie or two, clean the house, or, on occasion, visit sweet Harriet while she prepares butternut squash soup for a crowd.

But this year, I'm left with a child and a plethora of projects on my mind, and I just can't get enough of the exhilaration I'm feeling right now! I love it! It's only 9:45 and I've accomplished so much; the laundry is nearing completion, three pies are baked, the garland is hung on the staircase, the floors are swept, the second coat is painted on my project board, the baby is napping, and here I sit blogging away with "holly" channel 801 chiming christmas at its musical best in the background.

Energy and joy fill my tank, and I am like a child once again! The holidays are in full bloom, and I am oh so anticipating making these next few weeks memorable for my baby boy. Yes, I realize he won't remember them, but after the photos ops and video sessions I'll create, he will be able to look back on the 2009 holidays season and feel some nostalgia and gratitude for the childhood he once owned. I know I can say the same for myself!

Fall was always the big kickoff of the season. Pumpkins sumbolize Christmas for me... at least in my head...

And right around now, about 20 years ago, my wiggly body would be getting stuck with pins as my mom measured and altered my soon-to-be matching handmade night gown. They were always a must for Christmas Eve!

What would Thanksgiving and Christmas be without traditions and family memories?! That reminds me... I gotta go curl my hair. It wouldn't be a true holiday if I didn't accidently burn myself on the oven or my curling iron!

Ryder in Disneyland

I've become one of those parents who makes their kids do things because it pleases me, the parent. Of course I don't think Ryder will remember anything from his first "cheese" moment in Mickey's arms or the exhilarating awe one feels when they step onto Main Street and soak up 'the happiest place on earth'. I'm sure even the overstimulation on his young mind will be forgotten by week's end (believe you me, he's been a naughty little boy all day, and I'm convinced he's been stricken with Disney fever and is having withdrawals)!

Whatever the diagnosis may be, there is something to be said about a picture. Does any youngster really remember the professional Sears portraits he was dragged to back in the 1980's? No, of course not! But twenty-something years later, when he (or she in my case) has nothing to show for the lost memories, where does that leave him? But that's a tale for another day (no harm no foul, mom and dad)...

The famous "CALIFORNIA" pose on the letter of choice... R for Ryder!


They don't know it yet, but one day they will be best friends.... or I suppose worst enemies. Yikes! Hopefully their first family vacation together can keep these cousins' friendship tried and true!
Not sure why, but every time I see this photo I wanna say, "Homie don't play that!"

"Cranky Yet Lovable".... oh so true!

...: Our best attempt at sportin' the mouse ears :...

The overstimulation begins!

The scenery at Rainforest cafe has a relaxing quality about it, dontcha think?!

Delirious and drunk on milk at 8pm.... time for some pixie dust then off to Never Never Land!

"So you're telling me It's A Small World Is Closed?! Just my luck!"

Late night pancakes for dinner at Ihop.......................................................... $200

Extra tip for the blond waitress who cleaned up after our little monsters........ $50

Watching a 2 year old, an 11 month old and a 6 month old interact after a day at Disneyland....... Priceless

Disney Daze

Disneyland isn't just about the kids or the magic! It's also about the Chimichangas! Who knew Walt would offer some of the world's most delicious deep fried beef burritos! MMMMM, I can't even explain in words the way your taste buds dance when the greasy hot mess spills in your mouth! Nothing like a Disneychanga right after a spin on the teacups!

And who could pass up a fright in the Hollywood Tower Hotel! See if you can pick out my parents, my sister, my nephew, and me! This may be my most favorite ride yet!

Pictures of the 2 of us are few and far between... decent ones at least...

My dad treated us all to Pirate's Night (he would), and it was so much fun! But it was kinda loud for babies, especially sensitive ones like my little guy! These spongy earplugs did the trick! It was hilarious....

Sleeping Beauty's castle with snow sprinkled on the rooftops is oh so magical!
I couldn't resist! The Matterhorn brings out the best in all of us!

Tricked-Out

Getting talked into doing things, stupid or wise, is not a lifestyle choice for me. I have my very own drum that beats for me and only me. But this past Halloween I skipped to the beat of another's, and I got a little crazy!

Ryder, Dusty and I arrived in OB at Uncle Casey's house on Froude (Dusty's old college bachelor pad) right at dusk on Halloween. We raced to get Ryder ready for a couple door knocks on his first trick-or-treat jaunt. From the following photo you can probably tell how Big Daddy D felt about it...

Anyways, we were pretty tired from our long drive and just wanted to catch some Zs. But that just wasn't gonna fly with my brother and sister-in-law. They wanted me tricked-out for a Happy Halloween fiesta, but of course I wasn't prepared... so with a little help from the previous night's 80's party leftovers, and a fluffy wig from the closet, I quickly transformed into the female remake of Richard Simmons and secretly named myself Rebecca Cinnamon (weird, I know). My 50 minute costume craze was filled with dance-offs with Jack-In-The-Box, jungle juice with a Geisha, and a scary encounter with a giant Viagra pill... well worth it!

Not sure why, but at some point I was completely bored with the wig and slipped on a creepy "Joker" mask.... I don't even know why I'm documenting this, it's that scary!

My Pumpkin Pie

Fall = Pumpkin time! I was so excited to plop my baby amidst the gourds and the cornstalks and watch him enjoy the autumn elements. He's just a little guy, so our trek to the pumpkin patch lasted all of 7 minutes...

Minute 1: Ryder is excited to smash his first pumpkin (little does he know that's not part of the drill)
Minute 2: "I just wanna scratch at this pumpkin and look down at the hay.."

Minute 3: Probably his most favorite part of the whole pumpkin experience

Minute 4: Somebody thinks this is just great!

Minute 5: Family Photo

Minute 6: "Forget the photo, mom, let's play in the hay"

Minute 7: "And I'm spent!"